| TRUSTEESANNUALREPORT | |
|---|---|
| YEARENDED 30SEPTEMBER2025 | |
| Registeredcharityname | TheSociety forTheatreResearch |
| Charity number | 266186 |
| Address | Saville House |
| 4MansfieldRoad | |
| Oxford | |
| OX1 3TA | |
| Trustees | Eileen Cottis |
| Francesca Franchi | |
| MichaelOstler | |
| Accountants | CurlewAccountingLtd |
| Eastbum | |
| SouthPark | |
| Hexham | |
| Northumberland | |
| NE461BS |
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Charity Number 266186
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| CONTENTS | PAGE |
|---|---|
| Members of the Board and professional advisers | 3 |
| Trustees Annual Report | 4 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 7 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 8 |
| Balance sheet | 9 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 10 |
| The following pages do not form part of the financial | statements |
| Detailed statement of financial activities | 15 |
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Registered charity name The Society for Theatre Research Charity number 266186 Address Saville House 4 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA Trustees Eileen Cottis Francesca Franchi Michael Ostler Accountants Curlew Accounting Ltd Eastburn South Park Hexham Northumberland NE46 1BS
- 3 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2025.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Reference and administrative details are shown in the schedule of members of the board and professional advisers on page 3 of the financial statements.
THE TRUSTEES
The trustees who served the charity during the period were as follows:
Eileen Cottis Francesca Franchi Michael Ostler
The trustees named above and on page 3 are trustees for the purposes of charity law.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The Society serves those interested in the history and technique of British Theatre by arranging public lectures, by publishing books and a thrice-yearly journal (‘Theatre Notebook’) and by awarding research grants to individuals and institutions. It awards an annual theatre book prize and stages the Poel Event, an annual workshop promoting good stage speech, most recently seen at the National Theatre.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The Trustees considered the 76th Annual Report for the year ending 30 September 2024. This would be circulated to members before the AGM, together with the President’s Address and the Financial Statements
The Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday 24 May 2024, both virtually and in person at the Art Workers’ Guild. It was followed by the Annual Address, also on Zoom, with the title “Being an Opera diva in 18th-century London” given by Professor Michael Burden.
Professor Michael Burden is Chair of the Society; the Vice Chair is Professor Trevor Griffiths and the Vice-Presidents are Dr Neville Hunnings, Mrs Eileen Cottis, Mr Ian Herbert, and Dr Pieter van der Merwe.
The programme of lecture-meetings for 2023-24, arranged by Dr Valerie Kaneko-Lucas, had been wide-ranging and had included titles such as ‘Crime Sex and Scandal: Songs of George Leybourne’, ‘The Many Adaptations of Allan Ramsay’s The Gentle Shepherd’, and ‘In Conversation: The Conundrum of the Black Female Director’. Audiences on Zoom, and at the AGM, had been consistently larger than at lectures held live, a trend which it is hoped will continue.
The Wickham Lecture held in conjunction with the Bristol University department of theatre has been revived and will be developed further. The Gordon Craig Memorial Lecture was planned for June 2024 and would be a live event at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
- 4 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The 2024 Society for Theatre Research Theatre Book Prize had been awarded in June 2024 to Out for Blood: a Cultural History of Carrie the Musical by Chris Adams, published by Bloomsbury. The event was held at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre and Mr Howard Loxton had been thanked for his commitment to the continuing success of the Prize.
The Poel Workshops continued in 2024; the workshops are seriously indebted to Poel Workshop at Leeds Playhouse for its generous support. Plans are now well advanced for future sessions and will be taken care of by Richard Williams.
The Society's Annual Publication for 2023-2024 had been Richard Pilbrow’s A Sense of Theatre: The untold story of Britain’s National Theatre . Three issues of Theatre Notebook had been produced and sent to subscribers; many thanks to Professor Trevor Griffiths, who continued as coordinating editor together with Dr Gabriel Egan and Dr Anselm Heinrich. The books and the journal have been combined under one editor, Professor Trevor Griffiths, with desired improved co-ordination.
Through its ongoing collaboration with Project Muse, the online database of academic journals, and other online providers, Theatre Notebook continued to generate income of around £10,000 each year for the Society.
The New Researchers Network had held no face-to-face activities but continued to encourage members to write about their current research on the NRN blog. Plans for a special number of Theatre Notebook continue to be developed.
The New Scholars Prize had not been offered this year and work was continuing on repositioning this award with a view to enhancing inclusivity.
The Research Awards Sub-Committee had met in April 2024 by Zoom, and had recommended 12 awards, as opposed to 13 the previous year. The members of the Research Awards Sub-Committee are thanked for their input as are Professor Kate Newey (the chair) and Ms Kate Quartano Brown for their impeccable management of the awards.
The Practitioner Grants Sub-Committee was revived this year and met in April 2024 by Zoom and had recommended 10 awards. The members of the Practitioner Grants Sub-Committee are thanked for their input as are Dr Laura Milburn (the chair) and Ms Kate Quartano Brown for their impeccable management of the awards.
The Society’s website continued to be used by an average of fifty members per day. An appointment had been made to the role of Website Officer on an honorarium, and the effectiveness or otherwise of the post will be monitored during the year. The Committee was grateful to Kate Quartano Brown for her continued stewardship of the website.
The 75th working group has developed for the celebration of the Society’s 75th anniversary in 2023-24, centered on a conference held at Wills Hall at the University of Bristol which took place from 18 to 21 July.
The Accounts for 2023-24 were be approved by the AGM. We are grateful to Dr Irena Cholij and the Chair for their work. The emergency fund in the Reserved Savings Account with Scottish Widows Bank remained intact. Care will still be needed in the future because of the minimal increase of income from investment.
The Trustees concluded that the Society’s affairs had been properly administered during the year ending 30 September 2024.
- 5 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
RESERVES POLICY
The Society's financial reserves are represented by the £30,000 held in the Reserve Savings Account with Scottish Widows Bank.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The total income for the year was £52,644 and expenditure was £44,853, resulting in a net surplus of £7,791. After accounting for the surplus of £6,678 on investments in the year, there were total funds of £838,792 carried forward to the following financial year.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS
A resolution to re-appoint Curlew Accounting Ltd as Independent Examiners for the ensuing year will be proposed at the annual retirement meeting of the trustees.
Signed by order of the Trustees Eileen Cottis
- 6 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
I report on the accounts for the year ended 30 September 2025.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
-
To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and
-
To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison, of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect: • The accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act: or
• The accounts did not accord with the accounting records: or
• The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have come across no matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Paul Barron, FMAAT ICPA (Fellow)
Independent Certified Practising Accountant
- 7 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
(Incorporating an income and expenditure account)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Total Funds | Total Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year to | Year to 30 | ||
| 30 Sept 25 | Sept 24 | ||
| Note | £ | £ | |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | |||
| Incoming resources from generated funds | 2 | 52,644 | 50,677 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ||
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 52,644 | 50,677 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ||
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | |||
| Charitable activities | 3 | 42,376 | 44,411 |
| Governance costs | 4 | 2,477 | 3,572 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ||
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED | 44,853 | 47,983 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ||
| NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES FOR YEAR | 7,791 | 2,694 | |
| Unrealised Gains/(Losses) | 6,678 | 75,763 | |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||
| Total funds brought forward | 824,323 | 745,866 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 838,792 =================================================== |
824,323 =================================================== |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.
All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.
The notes on pages 10 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
- 8 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
BALANCE SHEET
30 SEPTEMBER 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | £ | |
| FIXED ASSETS | ||||
| Publications | 50 | 50 | ||
| Tangible Assets | 5 | 42 | 56 | |
| Investments | 735,167 | 728,489 | ||
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |||
| 735,259 | 728,595 | |||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||
| Investments | 30,000 | 30,000 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 73,533 | 65,728 | ||
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |||
| 103,533 | 95,728 | |||
| CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one | ||||
| year | 6 | - | - | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 103,533 | 95,728 | ||
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |||
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | 838,792 | 824,323 | ||
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | |||
| NET ASSETS | 838,792 | 824,323 | ||
| =================================================== | =================================================== | |||
| FUNDS | ||||
| Restricted income funds | 7 | 330,589 | 339,879 | |
| Unrestricted income funds | 8 | 462,685 | 438,926 | |
| Designated funds | 9 | 45,518 | 45,518 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 838,792 =================================================== |
824,323 =================================================== |
These financial statements were approved by the members of the committee on the ……………...2026 and are signed on their behalf by:
Eileen Cottis Trustee
The notes on pages 10 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
- 9 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable United Kingdom accounting standards, the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" issued in March 2005 (SORP 2005).
Cash flow statement
The trustees have taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No 1 (revised) from including a cash flow statement in the financial statements on the grounds that the charity is small.
Reserves
The Society's financial reserves are represented by the Reserve Savings Account with Scottish Widows Bank.
Investments
These are shown at market value with associated gains and losses.
Fixed assets
All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Equipment
- 25% reducing balance
Taxation Status
The Society for Theatre Research is a Registered Charity and accordingly is not liable to pay Income Tax, Corporation Tax or Capital Gains Tax. The Society receives no similar exemption in respect of Value Added Tax.
Incoming resources
Income is recognised in the period in which the charity is entitled to receipt and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty. Income is only deferred when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period.
R esources expended
Expenditure is recognised in the period in which it is incurred inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.
- 10 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
2. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM GENERATED FUNDS
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Designated | Total Funds | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2025 |
2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Voluntary Sources | 1,000 | 13,434 | - | 14,434 | 13,216 |
| Trading Activities | - | 11,231 | - | 11,231 | 10,516 |
| Income from Assets | - | 26,979 | - | 26,979 | 26,945 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| 1,000 | 51,644 | - | 52,644 | 50,677 | |
| =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== |
3. CHARITABLE ACTVITIES
| CHARITABLE ACTVITIES | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Designated | Total Funds | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Charitable activities | 13,495 | 28,881 | - | 42,376 | 44,411 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| 13,495 | 28,881 | - | 42,376 | 44,411 | |
| =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | |
| GOVERNANCE COSTS | |||||
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Designated | Total Funds | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Administration``` | ``- | 2,463 | - | 2,46 | 3,553 |
| Depreciation | - | 14 | - | 14 | 19 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| - | 2,477 | - | 2,477 | 3,572 | |
| =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== |
4. GOVERNANCE COSTS
- 11 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
5. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| 5. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | |
|---|---|---|
| Office and other | ||
| equipment | ||
| £ | ||
| COST | ||
| Brought forward | 6,672 | |
| Additions | - | |
| Disposals | - | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ||
| At 30 September 2025 | 6,672 | |
| =================================================== | ||
| DEPRECIATION | ||
| Brought forward | 6,616 | |
| Charge for the year | 14 | |
| On disposals | - | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ||
| At 30 September 2025 | 6,630 | |
| =================================================== | ||
| NET BOOK VALUE | ||
| At 30 September 2025 | 42 | |
| ==================================================== | ||
| At 30 September 2024 | 56 | |
| =================================================== | ||
| 6. | CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Other creditors | - | - |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| - | - | |
| =================================================== | =================================================== |
7. RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS
| Net incoming / | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | (outgoing) |
Unrealised | Balance at | ||
| 30 Sept 2024 | resources | Fund Transfers | Gains/(losses) | 30 Sept 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General Funds | 339,879 | (12,495) | - | 3,205 | 330,589 |
| =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== |
8. UNRESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS
| Net incoming / | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | (outgoing) |
Unrealised | Balance at | ||
| 30 Sept 2024 | resources | Fund Transfers | Gains/(losses) | 30 Sept 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General Funds | 438,926 | 20,286 | - | 3,473 | 462,685 |
| =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== |
- 12 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
9. DESIGNATED FUNDS
| Net incoming / | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | (outgoing) |
Unrealised | Balance at | ||
| 30 Sept 2024 | resources | Fund Transfers | Gains/(losses) | 30 Sept 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General Funds | 45,518 | - | - | - | 45,518 |
| =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== |
- 13 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The following pages do not form part of the statutory financial statements .
- 14 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | ||
| INCOMING RESOURCES FROM | ||
| GENERATED FUNDS | ||
| Voluntary sources | ||
| Membership Subscriptions | 11,520 | 11,161 |
| Subscriptions to TNB | 1,245 | 995 |
| Donations received | 1,669 | 1,060 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| 14,434 | 13,216 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| Trading Activities | ||
| Publication sales | 1,407 | 959 |
| Theatre Notebook sales | 203 | 249 |
| Royalties - Project Muse | 9,620 | 9,308 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| 11,230 | 10,516 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | |
| Income from Assets | ||
| Interest & Dividends received | 26,980 | 26,945 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | |
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 52,644 | 50,677 |
| =================================================== | =================================================== | |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | ||
| DIRECT CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES | ||
| Awards – Research | 6,375 | 6,764 |
| BSECS Fellowship | 240 | 250 |
| Book Prize | 350 | 500 |
| Annual Programme | 6,770 | 3,962 |
| Poel | 1,092 | 3,299 |
| Craig and Wickham Lectures | 600 | - |
| “Theatre Notebook” | 7,505 | 5,471 |
| Publications & TN distribution | 7,459 | 9,833 |
| Website development | 1,554 | 1,145 |
| Subscriptions paid | 45 | 351 |
| Honorariums | 7,000 | 8,000 |
| Consultancy fees | - | 1,500 |
| Conference | - | 3,336 |
| Patti Theatre | 1,973 | - |
| Replacement laptop | 1,304 | - |
| Flowers and refunds | 109 | - |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| 42,376 | 44,411 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| GOVERNANCE COSTS | ||
| Administration | 2,463 | 3,553 |
| Depreciation | 14 | 19 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| 2,477 | 3,572 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED | 44,853 | 47,983 |
| =================================================== | =================================================== |
- 15 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Charity Number 266186
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| CONTENTS | PAGE |
|---|---|
| Members of the Board and professional advisers | 3 |
| Trustees Annual Report | 4 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 7 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 8 |
| Balance sheet | 9 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 10 |
| The following pages do not form part of the financial | statements |
| Detailed statement of financial activities | 15 |
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Registered charity name The Society for Theatre Research Charity number 266186 Address Saville House 4 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA Trustees Eileen Cottis Francesca Franchi Michael Ostler Accountants Curlew Accounting Ltd Eastburn South Park Hexham Northumberland NE46 1BS
- 3 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2025.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Reference and administrative details are shown in the schedule of members of the board and professional advisers on page 3 of the financial statements.
THE TRUSTEES
The trustees who served the charity during the period were as follows:
Eileen Cottis Francesca Franchi Michael Ostler
The trustees named above and on page 3 are trustees for the purposes of charity law.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The Society serves those interested in the history and technique of British Theatre by arranging public lectures, by publishing books and a thrice-yearly journal (‘Theatre Notebook’) and by awarding research grants to individuals and institutions. It awards an annual theatre book prize and stages the Poel Event, an annual workshop promoting good stage speech, most recently seen at the National Theatre.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The Trustees considered the 76th Annual Report for the year ending 30 September 2024. This would be circulated to members before the AGM, together with the President’s Address and the Financial Statements
The Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday 24 May 2024, both virtually and in person at the Art Workers’ Guild. It was followed by the Annual Address, also on Zoom, with the title “Being an Opera diva in 18th-century London” given by Professor Michael Burden.
Professor Michael Burden is Chair of the Society; the Vice Chair is Professor Trevor Griffiths and the Vice-Presidents are Dr Neville Hunnings, Mrs Eileen Cottis, Mr Ian Herbert, and Dr Pieter van der Merwe.
The programme of lecture-meetings for 2023-24, arranged by Dr Valerie Kaneko-Lucas, had been wide-ranging and had included titles such as ‘Crime Sex and Scandal: Songs of George Leybourne’, ‘The Many Adaptations of Allan Ramsay’s The Gentle Shepherd’, and ‘In Conversation: The Conundrum of the Black Female Director’. Audiences on Zoom, and at the AGM, had been consistently larger than at lectures held live, a trend which it is hoped will continue.
The Wickham Lecture held in conjunction with the Bristol University department of theatre has been revived and will be developed further. The Gordon Craig Memorial Lecture was planned for June 2024 and would be a live event at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
- 4 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The 2024 Society for Theatre Research Theatre Book Prize had been awarded in June 2024 to Out for Blood: a Cultural History of Carrie the Musical by Chris Adams, published by Bloomsbury. The event was held at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre and Mr Howard Loxton had been thanked for his commitment to the continuing success of the Prize.
The Poel Workshops continued in 2024; the workshops are seriously indebted to Poel Workshop at Leeds Playhouse for its generous support. Plans are now well advanced for future sessions and will be taken care of by Richard Williams.
The Society's Annual Publication for 2023-2024 had been Richard Pilbrow’s A Sense of Theatre: The untold story of Britain’s National Theatre . Three issues of Theatre Notebook had been produced and sent to subscribers; many thanks to Professor Trevor Griffiths, who continued as coordinating editor together with Dr Gabriel Egan and Dr Anselm Heinrich. The books and the journal have been combined under one editor, Professor Trevor Griffiths, with desired improved co-ordination.
Through its ongoing collaboration with Project Muse, the online database of academic journals, and other online providers, Theatre Notebook continued to generate income of around £10,000 each year for the Society.
The New Researchers Network had held no face-to-face activities but continued to encourage members to write about their current research on the NRN blog. Plans for a special number of Theatre Notebook continue to be developed.
The New Scholars Prize had not been offered this year and work was continuing on repositioning this award with a view to enhancing inclusivity.
The Research Awards Sub-Committee had met in April 2024 by Zoom, and had recommended 12 awards, as opposed to 13 the previous year. The members of the Research Awards Sub-Committee are thanked for their input as are Professor Kate Newey (the chair) and Ms Kate Quartano Brown for their impeccable management of the awards.
The Practitioner Grants Sub-Committee was revived this year and met in April 2024 by Zoom and had recommended 10 awards. The members of the Practitioner Grants Sub-Committee are thanked for their input as are Dr Laura Milburn (the chair) and Ms Kate Quartano Brown for their impeccable management of the awards.
The Society’s website continued to be used by an average of fifty members per day. An appointment had been made to the role of Website Officer on an honorarium, and the effectiveness or otherwise of the post will be monitored during the year. The Committee was grateful to Kate Quartano Brown for her continued stewardship of the website.
The 75th working group has developed for the celebration of the Society’s 75th anniversary in 2023-24, centered on a conference held at Wills Hall at the University of Bristol which took place from 18 to 21 July.
The Accounts for 2023-24 were be approved by the AGM. We are grateful to Dr Irena Cholij and the Chair for their work. The emergency fund in the Reserved Savings Account with Scottish Widows Bank remained intact. Care will still be needed in the future because of the minimal increase of income from investment.
The Trustees concluded that the Society’s affairs had been properly administered during the year ending 30 September 2024.
- 5 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
RESERVES POLICY
The Society's financial reserves are represented by the £30,000 held in the Reserve Savings Account with Scottish Widows Bank.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The total income for the year was £52,644 and expenditure was £44,853, resulting in a net surplus of £7,791. After accounting for the surplus of £6,678 on investments in the year, there were total funds of £838,792 carried forward to the following financial year.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS
A resolution to re-appoint Curlew Accounting Ltd as Independent Examiners for the ensuing year will be proposed at the annual retirement meeting of the trustees.
Signed by order of the Trustees Eileen Cottis
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THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
I report on the accounts for the year ended 30 September 2025.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
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To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and
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To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison, of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect: • The accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act: or
• The accounts did not accord with the accounting records: or
• The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have come across no matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Paul Barron, FMAAT ICPA (Fellow)
Independent Certified Practising Accountant
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THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
(Incorporating an income and expenditure account)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Total Funds | Total Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year to | Year to 30 | ||
| 30 Sept 25 | Sept 24 | ||
| Note | £ | £ | |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | |||
| Incoming resources from generated funds | 2 | 52,644 | 50,677 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ||
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 52,644 | 50,677 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ||
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | |||
| Charitable activities | 3 | 42,376 | 44,411 |
| Governance costs | 4 | 2,477 | 3,572 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ||
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED | 44,853 | 47,983 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ||
| NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES FOR YEAR | 7,791 | 2,694 | |
| Unrealised Gains/(Losses) | 6,678 | 75,763 | |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||
| Total funds brought forward | 824,323 | 745,866 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 838,792 =================================================== |
824,323 =================================================== |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.
All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.
The notes on pages 10 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
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THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
BALANCE SHEET
30 SEPTEMBER 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | £ | |
| FIXED ASSETS | ||||
| Publications | 50 | 50 | ||
| Tangible Assets | 5 | 42 | 56 | |
| Investments | 735,167 | 728,489 | ||
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |||
| 735,259 | 728,595 | |||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||
| Investments | 30,000 | 30,000 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 73,533 | 65,728 | ||
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |||
| 103,533 | 95,728 | |||
| CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one | ||||
| year | 6 | - | - | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 103,533 | 95,728 | ||
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |||
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | 838,792 | 824,323 | ||
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | |||
| NET ASSETS | 838,792 | 824,323 | ||
| =================================================== | =================================================== | |||
| FUNDS | ||||
| Restricted income funds | 7 | 330,589 | 339,879 | |
| Unrestricted income funds | 8 | 462,685 | 438,926 | |
| Designated funds | 9 | 45,518 | 45,518 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 838,792 =================================================== |
824,323 =================================================== |
These financial statements were approved by the members of the committee on the ……………...2026 and are signed on their behalf by:
Eileen Cottis Trustee
The notes on pages 10 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
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THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable United Kingdom accounting standards, the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" issued in March 2005 (SORP 2005).
Cash flow statement
The trustees have taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No 1 (revised) from including a cash flow statement in the financial statements on the grounds that the charity is small.
Reserves
The Society's financial reserves are represented by the Reserve Savings Account with Scottish Widows Bank.
Investments
These are shown at market value with associated gains and losses.
Fixed assets
All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Equipment
- 25% reducing balance
Taxation Status
The Society for Theatre Research is a Registered Charity and accordingly is not liable to pay Income Tax, Corporation Tax or Capital Gains Tax. The Society receives no similar exemption in respect of Value Added Tax.
Incoming resources
Income is recognised in the period in which the charity is entitled to receipt and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty. Income is only deferred when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period.
R esources expended
Expenditure is recognised in the period in which it is incurred inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.
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THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
2. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM GENERATED FUNDS
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Designated | Total Funds | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2025 |
2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Voluntary Sources | 1,000 | 13,434 | - | 14,434 | 13,216 |
| Trading Activities | - | 11,231 | - | 11,231 | 10,516 |
| Income from Assets | - | 26,979 | - | 26,979 | 26,945 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| 1,000 | 51,644 | - | 52,644 | 50,677 | |
| =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== |
3. CHARITABLE ACTVITIES
| CHARITABLE ACTVITIES | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Designated | Total Funds | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Charitable activities | 13,495 | 28,881 | - | 42,376 | 44,411 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| 13,495 | 28,881 | - | 42,376 | 44,411 | |
| =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | |
| GOVERNANCE COSTS | |||||
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Designated | Total Funds | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Administration``` | ``- | 2,463 | - | 2,46 | 3,553 |
| Depreciation | - | 14 | - | 14 | 19 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| - | 2,477 | - | 2,477 | 3,572 | |
| =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== |
4. GOVERNANCE COSTS
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THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
5. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| 5. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | |
|---|---|---|
| Office and other | ||
| equipment | ||
| £ | ||
| COST | ||
| Brought forward | 6,672 | |
| Additions | - | |
| Disposals | - | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ||
| At 30 September 2025 | 6,672 | |
| =================================================== | ||
| DEPRECIATION | ||
| Brought forward | 6,616 | |
| Charge for the year | 14 | |
| On disposals | - | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ||
| At 30 September 2025 | 6,630 | |
| =================================================== | ||
| NET BOOK VALUE | ||
| At 30 September 2025 | 42 | |
| ==================================================== | ||
| At 30 September 2024 | 56 | |
| =================================================== | ||
| 6. | CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Other creditors | - | - |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| - | - | |
| =================================================== | =================================================== |
7. RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS
| Net incoming / | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | (outgoing) |
Unrealised | Balance at | ||
| 30 Sept 2024 | resources | Fund Transfers | Gains/(losses) | 30 Sept 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General Funds | 339,879 | (12,495) | - | 3,205 | 330,589 |
| =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== |
8. UNRESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS
| Net incoming / | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | (outgoing) |
Unrealised | Balance at | ||
| 30 Sept 2024 | resources | Fund Transfers | Gains/(losses) | 30 Sept 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General Funds | 438,926 | 20,286 | - | 3,473 | 462,685 |
| =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== |
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THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
9. DESIGNATED FUNDS
| Net incoming / | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | (outgoing) |
Unrealised | Balance at | ||
| 30 Sept 2024 | resources | Fund Transfers | Gains/(losses) | 30 Sept 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General Funds | 45,518 | - | - | - | 45,518 |
| =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== | =================================================== |
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THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The following pages do not form part of the statutory financial statements .
- 14 -
THE SOCIETY FOR THEATRE RESEARCH
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | ||
| INCOMING RESOURCES FROM | ||
| GENERATED FUNDS | ||
| Voluntary sources | ||
| Membership Subscriptions | 11,520 | 11,161 |
| Subscriptions to TNB | 1,245 | 995 |
| Donations received | 1,669 | 1,060 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| 14,434 | 13,216 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| Trading Activities | ||
| Publication sales | 1,407 | 959 |
| Theatre Notebook sales | 203 | 249 |
| Royalties - Project Muse | 9,620 | 9,308 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| 11,230 | 10,516 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | |
| Income from Assets | ||
| Interest & Dividends received | 26,980 | 26,945 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | |
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 52,644 | 50,677 |
| =================================================== | =================================================== | |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | ||
| DIRECT CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES | ||
| Awards – Research | 6,375 | 6,764 |
| BSECS Fellowship | 240 | 250 |
| Book Prize | 350 | 500 |
| Annual Programme | 6,770 | 3,962 |
| Poel | 1,092 | 3,299 |
| Craig and Wickham Lectures | 600 | - |
| “Theatre Notebook” | 7,505 | 5,471 |
| Publications & TN distribution | 7,459 | 9,833 |
| Website development | 1,554 | 1,145 |
| Subscriptions paid | 45 | 351 |
| Honorariums | 7,000 | 8,000 |
| Consultancy fees | - | 1,500 |
| Conference | - | 3,336 |
| Patti Theatre | 1,973 | - |
| Replacement laptop | 1,304 | - |
| Flowers and refunds | 109 | - |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| 42,376 | 44,411 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| GOVERNANCE COSTS | ||
| Administration | 2,463 | 3,553 |
| Depreciation | 14 | 19 |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| 2,477 | 3,572 | |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | |
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED | 44,853 | 47,983 |
| =================================================== | =================================================== |
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